Ms. Amy Purnell is a Brooklyn, New York native. Raised in a single-parent household, her mom moved the family to Florida during her teenage years to provide Amy and her two younger siblings with a better life. There she continued her education and graduated high school in Orlando, Florida. Ms. Purnell holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University and her MBA from Strayer University. She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Amy Purnell started her professional career in the insurance industry. She was recruited by State Farm Insurance during her senior year of college. During her 12 years with the company, she worked in various offices and held multiple positions. In 2013, Ms. Purnell embarked upon a new calling as a federal employee. She currently supports the Department of Defense, excelling in her career as a Financial and Program Analyst.
Ms. Purnell has always been a strong advocate for ensuring underrepresented voices are heard, helping others create new opportunities both professionally and personally when faced with unforeseen challenges. In addition to working for the federal government, Ms. Purnell has given back to her community as a former Fairfax County Commissioner, served as a treasurer for the National Black MBA Association, Greater Maryland Chapter and has taught at Alexandria City Public Schools.

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Ms. Purnell continues her journey focusing on building relationships with other great leaders, leveraging their influence as pipelines of opportunities for underrepresented groups (single parents, recent college graduates, and minority future leaders). Cultivating a culture of change for equitable opportunities will always remain on the forefront for Ms. Purnell as an advocate, new parent and transformation leader.